The Beauty of Twist-Bend Nematic Phase: Fast Switching Domains, First Order Fréedericksz Transition and a Hierarchy of Structures

The twist-bend nematic phase (NTB) exhibits a complicated hierarchy of structures responsible for several intriguing properties presented here. These are: the observation fast electrooptic response, exhibition large electroclinic effect, and an unusual pattern temperature dependence birefringence bent-shaped bimesogens in parallel-rubbed planar-aligned cells. effects inspired use highly sophisticated techniques that led to discovery phase. Results optical retardation cell show ‘heliconical angle’ (the angle local director makes with axis) starts increasing high N phase, it jump at N–NTB transition continues increase magnitude further reduction temperature. liquid crystalline twist-aligned cells this exhibit fascinating phenomena such as demonstration beautiful stripes their periodicity on Fréedericksz NTB is found be first order both rubbed planar homeotropic-aligned cells, contrast second exhibited by conventional This shows significant hysteresis well abrupt change orientation function applied electric field. Hierarchical are revealed using technique polymer templating structure interest, imaging resulting scanning electron microscopy.